News

Traceability requirements for industry 4.0

Traceability is a topic that is becoming increasingly important to the industry. Be it general labelling, quality management, product liability or logistics – traceability is increasingly becoming the measure of all things to do business sustainably. As the development of the industry 4.0 and its advanced technologies, it will enable companies as never bevor to not only detect errors quickly and purposefully, but also to avoid mistakes and to increase the quality sustainably. As a basis, the traceability of the workpieces essential, this is made possible by the labelling and serves as an identification of the products. Traceability across the entire product lifecycle can be ensured through tagging and data collection systems.

In the following, the focus is on dot peen and scribe marking systems as a permanent marking method and the presentation of 2D-Codes as a simple and secure optical identification option.

The term traceability to DIN EN ISO 9001The term traceability is used across all sectors and, according to DIN ENISO 9001, is only valid if the identification of the entire process is complete and clearly identifiable. This means that traceability is only guaranteed if the company clearly identifies its products. The documentation of traceability includes e.g. the origin of the materials and parts, the course of processing, as well as the distribution and position of the product after delivery. Traceability therefor has two aspects: the tracking and the tracing.

Need for traceabilityFull traceability is now a necessity for many companies, as law, guidelines, standards or supply contracts require them. For example, manufacturers and suppliers must prove that their products are flawlessly manufactured and that they comply with relevant regulations in order to avoid having to pay for the corresponding damage in the event of product liability.

The following formulation is often found with standard purchase framework contracts: „The methods of labelling and traceability must be documented. The Products must be clearly marked during production. Batch traceability must be guaranteed down to the level of individual parts or raw materials…“.

Traceability is becoming more and more common in the Collaboration Specifications and is the most important basis for verifying error-free processes along the entire supply chain.

Ensure and increase quality - An efficient traceability system increases the reliability that no wrong components are used.

Transparency and optimization of processes - The acquisition and evaluation of production and process data, leads to greater process transparency. This creates the basis for continuously improving processes and making them more efficient.

The Possibilities of permanent labelling.The cornerstone of a functioning traceability system is unambiguous identification based on a label that must be permanently traceable throughout the processing process and across companies. Markings are usually applied as codes or as classical plain text.

Industrial applications require markings that are permanently legible and traceable, even under the toughest conditions – not lust during productions- for years to come. Direct part marking (DPM) offers a solution for this. In this type of marking, markings are marked by different methods directly into the surface of the object, for example by dot peen or scribe markings systems. The choice of the right marking system depends strongly on the material of the object. Markator’s marking systems use the technique of dot peen or scribe marking and provide an efficient way to ensure easy and long-lasting traceability. Its easy and flexible integration and precise marking results make these systems standard in many industrial companies.

The most important advantages of dot peen and scribe marking at a glance:/strong>

The selection of the right marking system depends on the type of execution and application of the project, but also on which material the product consist, the process flow, the process environment or the later use. Not every system is suitable for every requirement. For this reason, it is generally recommended in advance to make a test marking with the products to be marked on original material.

Presentation 2D-Code / Data Matrix Code (DMC)An excellent way to compress and machine-read data is to use codes. In addition to classic barcodes or QR codes (1D-Codes) , the 2D-Codes are increasingly being used in form of a data matric code in the manufacturing industries. Simple 1D-Codes are limited in their amount of data where 2D-Codes can encrypt large amounts of data in the smallest space. Even after damage to the 2D-Code, its contents can usually be reconstructed and read out. To ensure traceability, there are strict requirements for the quality of the code. MARKATOR’s dot peen and scribe marking systems meet these standards and allow for individual and flexible labelling for a variety of applications – from plan text to 2D-Codes to logos.

Newest generation from the FlyMarker® series: FlyMarker® mini 120/45

01.09.2018:
FlyMarker® mini 120/45: Convinces with a large marking area and extra strong magnet (optional)

The new hand-held marking system FlyMarker® mini 120/45 is already the fifth generation out of the product group FlyMarker®. This mobile dot peen marker builds on the strengths of the proven previous models and convinces with its large marking area and high marking power, as well as also due its unique price-performance ratio.

The long-term experience in development of mobile hand-held marking systems make it possible to unite a very large marking area of 120 x 45mm with a low weight of only approx. 3,2kg. Thus, becomes a professional partner for durable and unforgeable markings in the industry. In addition, the compact FlyMarker® mini 120/45 can be optionally equipped with an extra strong magnet which enables to create very deep markings remaining visible after subsequent processing steps such as sand blasting or coating. The marking force of the solenoid can be adjusted individually to the material and the needed marking depth. From plastics, aluminum, stainless steel up to hardened steel, the FlyMarker® mini 120/45 marks nearly all materials fast and reliable. Among marking characters and numbers, optionally individual company logos, test symbols or Data Matrix Codes can be marked as well. Two prisms on the positioning plate of the FlyMarker® mini 120/45 help to mark round work pieces very easily (radial and axial).

The programming of marking files is simplified through a self-explanatory and intuitively to operate software. Due to the numeric keys which are directly integrated in the keyboard, numbers which are often used in industrial applications can be typed in directly without accessing a submenu of the software. This means an enormous time saving for the operator during operation.

The high resolution LC colour display provides a practical preview function which enables to picture the marking file before the actual marking. Created marking files, fonts and logos can simply and conveniently be stored direct on the internal memory of the hand-held marking system.The marking result of the FlyMarker® mini 120/45 is of the highest quality due to the stable and long-life mechanics. This is made possible especially thanks to high-quality linear guides, consisting double guided linear guides in x- and y-direction.

Further on the FlyMarker® mini 120/45 stands out through its compact and high quality design. Like a common cordless screwdriver this marking unit can be carried through the works premises directly to the work piece to be marked thanks to its light weight. This is of great use when big and unmovable work pieces need to be marked. For the transportation to another construction site or a different hall, the practical carrying case can be used.The scope of supply contains two Lithium-Ion-Batteries which enable a completely mobile work and time consuming marking tasks can be done without interruption.Tripping hazards due to power cables or cables for compressed air supply as well as accidents at work due to common stamping tools belong to the past.

For special application as for example marking round work pieces on the face, etc. several optional accessories are available. Integrated threaded holes on the positioning plate enable also to mount customized equipment.

Longer battery runtime due to new 5.2 Ah battery

22.06.2017:
Hand-held marking system FlyMarker® mini is now optional available with a powerful 5.2 Ah rechargeable battery

The battery operated hand-held marking system FlyMarker® mini is mainly suitable for durable markings of big and unmovable work pieces directly on-site.

Next to the two 18V-Lithium-Ion-Batteries with 2.0 Ah which are integrated in the standard scope of supply there is now an optional available, powerful 5.2 Ah battery available. With this powerful battery a working period 3 times longer compared to the work with the standard battery is possible.

The portable marking system is suitable to mark several materials with a hardness of up to 63 HRC. A quick and reliable technology and the easy operation characterize this battery operated marking unit. The housing consists of glass fibre reinforced plastic and is with this break resistant. Next to characters and numbers it is also possible to mark logos, test symbols and Data Matrix Codes.

For the transportation to another construction site or a different hall, the practical carrying case can be used. The complete standard scope of supply as well as the optional available 5.2 Ah battery can be stored in this carrying case.

Depending on the material and the customer requirements, the marking force and with this the marking depth can be adjusted individually.

The clearly designed software is very easy to understand and enables an intuitively operation of the hand-held marking system. Thanks to the use of latest processor technologies, a fast navigation and quick access times to the marking files is possible. Several hundreds of marking files, fonts and logos can be stored and administered in the internal memory of the marking unit. There are many language versions available.

07.01.2016:
MARKATOR® presents a new product from the FlyMarker®-series

The new hand-held marking system FlyMarker® mini made its debut at the trade fair EMO 2015 in Milano. The fourth generation of the mobile dot peen marker can be described as a new milestone in the history of the battery operated hand-held marking units. The new FlyMarker® mini builds on the strengths of the proven previous models and convinces with its light weight and its compact design as well as also due its unique introduction price.

Next to this attractive price price-performance ratio, the hand-held marking system for durable and unforgeable markings is characterized by its light weight of only 2.7 kg and its high-quality construction. The marking unit convinces with fast marking times, a self-explanatory and intuitively to operate software and a dirt-resistant keyboard, which is very durable compared to a membrane keyboard. The housing is made of glass fibre reinforced plastic and is with this more break resistant than for example housings from die-cast aluminum.

Due to the numeric keys which are directly integrated in the keyboard, numbers which are often used in industrial applications can be typed in directly without accessing a submenu of the software. This means an enormous time saving for the operator during operation. Characters and numbers as well as individual company logos, test symbols or Data Matrix Codes can be marked.

The FlyMarker® mini has an ideal centre of gravity which is designed for the mobile use. Due to its ergonomic design, the device sits perfectly in the hand and an effortless operation is possible, also in vertical work positions. An additional handle is mounted on the front face of the marking system. This handle allows an ergonomic two-hand operation and an even easier, precise and secure positioning of the marking system on the work piece to be marked. Slipping away during the marking process can be avoided. If there is less space between work pieces, the second handle at the front face of the system can be dismounted easily.

Thanks to the less weight, this marking unit can be carried through the works premises directly to the work piece to be marked - just like it happens day by day with a common cordless screwdriver. This is very helpful when big and unmovable work pieces need to be marked. For the transportation to another construction site or a different hall, the practical carrying case can be used. The scope of supply contains two Lithium-Ion-Batteries. With this, time consuming marking tasks can be done without interruption.

The powerful Lithium-Ion-Battery enables a completely mobile work with the FlyMarker® mini. Tripping hazards due to power cables or cables for compressed air supply as well as accidents at work due to common stamping tools belong to the past.

The marking force of the solenoid which was especially developed for mobile marking purposes can be adjusted individually to the material and the needed marking depth. Nearly all materials can be marked – from plastics, aluminum, stainless steel up to hardened steel. Subsequent processing such as sand blasting, coating, and so on mean not a problem in most cases. The marking remains visible.

The high class marking result of the FlyMarker® mini can be achieved due to the stable and long-life mechanics. The high-quality linear guides in x- and y-direction are double guided. Compared to systems with a swinging axle, it is with the FlyMarker® mini possible to create very precise multi line markings. The marking area of 65 x 30 mm can completely be used. Due to a continuous, solid and robust base support with integrated positioning plate, a high mechanical stiffness can be guaranteed.

The software can be operated intuitively through to the clearly designed and easy to understand software. Latest processor technologies are used and with this a fast navigation and quick access times to the marking files is possible. There are many language versions available for the FlyMarker® mini which makes the operation for users all over the world very easy.

Helpful commands such as variables for time, date or auto numbering are already included in the standard scope of delivery. Via the practical preview function it is possible to picture the marking file in the high resolution LC colour display before the marking process will be started. With this incorrect markings can be avoided and are almost impossible.

The internal memory of the hand-held marking system offers space for several hundreds of marking files, fonts and logos which can easily be imported and exported using the USB-interfaces of the unit. These interfaces can also be used for optional available accessories as for example a barcode scanner. The content of a barcode can with this be read very quickly into the system and the characters and numbers can be marked with preset configuration on the work pieces.

Two prisms on the positioning plate of the FlyMarker® mini help to mark round work pieces very easily (radial and axial). Height differences up to 5 mm can be compensated. With this also uneven work pieces can be marked in a constant marking depth. For special application as for example marking round work pieces on the face, etc. several optional accessories are available. Integrated threaded holes on the positioning plate enable also to mount customized equipment.

New accessories for the battery operated marking system FlyMarker PRO

25.03.2015:
Small add-ons bring a great work simplification

Ludwigsburg, March 2015: The German manufacturer of marking systems MARKATOR® continuously aims on the simplification of the marking tasks of its customers and on an optimization of the marking results when marking tasks are complicated. Due to a constant communication with the customers in several cases of application the development of new optional accessories is possible time and again. These optional accessories mean an enormous work simplification of the durable marking tasks on several kinds of work pieces.

Currently there are three new positioning plates for the battery operated dot peen marking system FlyMarker® PRO available.

The positioning plate with 3 point touch has three point touch supports with rubber coating instead of a flat positioning plate. Two of the point touch supports can be adjusted individually in x-direction. This accessory can be used if the access for the positioning of the hand-held marking system on the work piece is limited. The three rubber coated point touch supports prevent from slipping off the work piece, damp the vibration which occurs during the marking process and offer a stable operating position. If the access space is very small it is also possible to dismount one of the point touch supports. This positioning plate can also be modified when a special device is needed.

The easily upgradeable prism fence-system for round and flat parts does have its advantages especially when the marking needs to be done on the face of a work piece, with equal distances from the edge.

Due to the end stop on the top edge of this positioning plate a safe positioning can be assured. With the help of the integrated prism, a precise alignment also on round work pieces is very easy. The prism is out of plastic and can with this easily be modified for specific work pieces.

The magnetic stop system for FlyMarker® PRO can easily be adjusted on the standard positioning plate. It is especially suitable for deep markings on steel.

The magnets on the base of the positioning plate fix the hand-held marking system firmly on the work piece and prevent from slipping off the work piece during the marking process. This optional holding device brings an enormous simplification when markings need to be done without horizontal installation surface, for example on vertical surfaces or on the face of a flange.

Interested? We would be happy to inform you about our marking systems and the complete range of accessories. Contact us via email to marketing@markator.de or visit our website www.flymarker.com

Hand-held marking system FlyMarker PRO in action

09.01.2014:
Mobile marking solution to identify work pieces

Ludwigsburg (Germany) / Böheimkirchen (Austria) January 2014: Until a few years ago the identification of the work pieces at the company Metallbau Sonnleitner e.U. in Böheimkirchen/Austria was not a big issue.

The rising metal construction company in the region of Wien was founded in the year 1990 and currently employs approx. 40 people. The company manufactures all kind of steel-, stainless steel- and aluminum constructions as for example aluminum windows and aluminum gantries, carports, stainless steel railings and expansion-joint profiles for the building construction and civil engineering. Also constructions and productions of several customer-specific machines as well as job order productions are part of the portfolio.

So far technicians and engineers were able to assign the work piece to the corresponding drawing after years. If there was still a danger of confusion the work piece was marked with primitive methods as for example with center mark punches or using an engraving pen. These marking methods are time consuming, visually not appealing and not very precise. Furthermore, the use of punches means a high risk of injury.

On the basis of standards and regulations as for example the construction standard EN 1090 which is recently valid, a total quality management is required. With this new standard the demand of part markings and a clear labeling of the products are increasing.

The determining factor for the purchase of the modern and 100% portable hand-held marking system FlyMarker® PRO was finally the development of the new product of the company Metallbau Sonnleitner e.U. – the automatic tool management system. Single hand tools can be administered electronically and it is clearly visible which tool is located at which employee at any time. The additional needed time is minimal but the advantage for all is enormous. A clear and durable marking on every tool is essential for this procedure. Due to safety- and cost aspects a laser marking system was not an option and when comparing dot peen marking systems, the battery operated hand-held marking system FlyMarker® PRO was the clear favorite.

The mobile dot peen marking system is very compact and no cables hamper or endanger the work. The modern software of the FlyMarker® PRO can be operated easy and intuitively and with the optional column frame it is possible to convert the hand-held marking system quickly into a table marking system. With this it is also possible to mark small work pieces simple and precisely.

In the meantime the marking system FlyMarker® PRO is established at the company Sonnleitner and is used for several different tasks. For the marking of job order productions of turned and milled parts with the article number required from the customer. For the marking of cover plates and covering angles, that dispense with measuring the pieces at the construction site and during the order process.

Also on every new purchased hand drilling machine the company logo of the company Sonnleitner is marked into the plastic housing. With this mix-ups with the tools of other companies can be avoided and it also is an effective protection against pilferers. Of course also hammers, screwdrivers and all the other tools of the new, automatic tool management system have been marked durable.

The company Sonnleitner thinks it is perfect that the marking on steel is still visible after several post processes as for example a zinc coating. The marking force and with this the marking depth on the work piece can be adjusted individually depending on the work piece to be marked.

New marking tool for CNC-machining centers

22.05.2013:
Cost-effective solution for durable markings

The BZ-Markers are work tools for the durable marking of work pieces. These tools can be integrated in every CNC-machining center with or without automatic tool change and also in suitable robots. Most manufacturers of machine tool controllers have already integrated engraving programs. Several materials can be marked, from aluminum to steel, bronze, copper, brass, titanium, plastics, and so on.

The marking tools itself can be seated into a weldon tool holder (for cylindrical shafts with the lateral surface side). The BZ-Marker in size S is suitable for 12 mm weldon mountings and the BZ-Marker in the sizes M, L and XL are suitable for 20 mm weldon mountings. Alternatively it is also possible to use the BZ-Markers with an suitable collet.

For the operation of the BZ-Markers no cooling lubricant and no compressed air is needed. The marking is produced by a combination of compression and displacement of the material. The special marking pin produces the marking by rolling in. The work tools operate both, with or without rotation of the spindle. The wetting of the surface with cooling lubricant or oil is permitted but not required.

FlyMarker® PRO

16.04.2013:
New hand-held marking system

MARKATOR® is proud to present the new CNC hand-held marking system FlyMarker® PRO. It is already the third generation of the functional hand-held marking system. Based on many years of experience in the market of the mobile dot peen marking systems some important characteristics have been improved: The new FlyMarker® PRO convinces among other things with a high marking speed. Due to the low weight and the small construction the marking device is even more handy and compact than the previous models.

New website

13.11.2012:
We welcome you on our new website!

The aim of the new MARKATOR® website is to simplify the search of information for our customers.

The complete MARKATOR® product range of dot peen markers, scribe markers and conventional marking systems are clearly presented. Also important information like contact details, service offers, trade fairs and so on are visible at a glance.

Discover the new, virtual MARKATOR® world! We are looking forward to your visit!

New XL Generation!

14.09.2011:
All central control units of MARKATOR® have been revised

In a big development project, all central control units of the manufacturer of marking systems MARKATOR® Manfred Borries GmbH from Ludwigsburg in Germany have been revised and equipped with a number of innovations.

The development project was targeted to both, hardware and software components. For example all central control units of the XL generation are now equipped with a high-resolution LC display to make the daily work of the operators easier. The software is clearly structured and has been developed system-wide. The switch between two different marking systems is very easy as the software interface is the same on all central control units. No programming skills are necessary for the operation of the new XL central control units.

For an easy transfer of marking files, fonts and logos, all central control units of the XL generation are equipped with USB- and Ethernet interfaces. Through to this, also the backup of complete marking jobs and the viewing of the diagnostic-websites of the central control unit are more easily.

Based on 25 years experience in the marking industry, all MARKATOR® central control units are constructed for the needs of an industrial marking and several demands are fulfilled without compromises.

Central control units for the integration in production lines contain for example all necessary components as power units for the stepping motors, micro processors, memory modules and digital in- and outputs on an compact control module.

The central control units can be equipped optionally with additional stepping motor control cards for further axes and as well with I/O- cards for control functions as INTERBUS-/PROFIBUS-/PROFINET-/DEVICENET-/ETHERNET. The installation is easy.

For the use as a table marking system, there are also several optional accessories available, as for example rotating axes for the marking of round parts, z-axes, software components to mark logos and much more. Let us advice you!

Social Media

To keep pace with the digital age and the new media, MARKATOR® decided to create company profiles on the social media platforms Youtube and Facebook and on the German business platform Xing.

Our own Youtube-Channel makes it easy to spread our product movies around the world.

For the future all important information as product news, fair participations, press releases and special campaigns will be posted on our profile. Of course we will post everything in German and English.

Innovation!

10.08.2010:
Successful proven hand-held marking system FlyMarker® in a new look!

MARKATOR® starts with a product innovation into the summer 2010. The proven CNC-hand-held marking system FlyMarker® was launched and the facelift will be available from July.

Next to a bigger LCD color display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels the application software is completely reworked. The new software has a modern style, is clearly structured and follows the existing software of the central control unit ZE 301.

Proven functions as for example inserting variables for time, date and automatic numbering and the possibility to mark DataMatrix codes as well as logos and so on are remaining. Furthermore, the software offers a lot of additional functions.

For very deep markings there is an option of a double or a multi-marking. With this option the electro pneumatic driven carbide pin marks same characters two or more times on the identical position. With this it is possible to reach maximum penetration depths and the marking is for example after a lamination still visible.

A further, very helpful function on marking round work pieces is the circular marking. With this option the characters can be marked on the predefined radius of the work pieces.

To create marking-files comfortable on a computer at the workplace and to transfer the marking-files easily into the hand-held marking system, a USB-slot is part of the technical innovations. Through to this USB-slot it is also possible to connect a common keyboard and in the future it will be very easy to transfer software-updates directly from a USB flash drive onto the FlyMarker® XL.

Whether on permanent use or as a emergency strategy in case of a loss of production – the reworked and nevertheless successful proven CNC hand-held marking system FlyMarker® XL will mark more quickly and deeper but still reliable. It is still suitable to mark almost all materials.For an even easier operation, the weight of the flexible marking system was noticeable reduced.

Allow yourself to be convinced by our “new-old”, flexible hand-held marking system – we’d like to show you the FlyMarker® XL!